Focus Dinner with Paul and Sam Blake, Newcastle Eagles

Newcastle Eagles is the most successful professional basketball club in British history. But behind the trophies lies a story that is far bigger than sport.

Join club owner Paul Blake and the Eagles Community Foundation's CEO Sam Blake as they share the journey of building, sustaining, and leading an organisation through decades of change.

From ownership transitions and financial uncertainty to growing a loyal community and creating a lasting impact beyond the court, the Eagles' story is one of resilience, adaptability, and long-term commitment.

Having faced moments where its future was far from certain, Paul will reflect on the lessons learned from leading a professional sports organisation, where performance is measured weekly, and decisions are often made under intense pressure.

Alongside him, Sam brings the perspective of both a business leader and a former Team GB Olympian, offering insight into the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to perform at the highest level, and how those lessons translate into leadership and organisational success.

Together, they will explore the parallels between sport and business, where culture matters, teams win and lose together, and long-term success is rarely built overnight.

The Conversation
Over dinner, expect an honest discussion around themes including:

• What it takes to build an organisation that endures.
• How to lead through uncertainty and periods of change.
• The role culture and community play in long-term success.
• How great teams perform under pressure.
• How to balance commercial realities with a broader sense of purpose.
  
  

What You’ll Take Away
This is an opportunity to hear the unfiltered story behind one of the North East's most successful sporting organisations. You can expect to leave with a fresh perspective on leadership, resilience, culture, and long-term thinking, alongside insights into how Paul and Sam have built an organisation that people care about, support, and want to be part of.

The Small Print
This event is exclusively for entrepreneurial members of the Forum and costs £90 +VAT for a three-course meal, payable in advance.

By registering to attend this dinner you agree that your place is non-transferrable. We are unable to reimburse this cost if cancellations are received after 12noon on Tuesday 15th September.

Please be aware that your name, job title and company may be shared with our Forum partners and event attendees for event‑related purposes. Should you wish to remove yourself from any delegate lists please let us know.